Organizing Through Life

January is designated as "Get Organized" Month by the National Association of Professional Organizers.

You probably set goals at the beginning of past New Years, and maybe you have some in mind for 2014. Some of the most popular goals set each year are:

1. Lose Weight

2. Quit Smoking

3. Spend more time with family and friends

4. Pay off bills and....

5. Get organized

So why is it that we don't reach this final goal? Well, being organized can mean different things to different people. For some, it can be as simple as the goal to stop spending (and wasting) time looking for things that they can't find. Getting organized can mean having systems and processes in place to make your household or business run smoothly and more efficiently.

I challenge you to make this year different. Here are some simple steps that you can take to make sure that you Get Organized in 2014.

Be clear with your expectations. I have a dry erase board in my kitchen that tells my family exactly what I expect to be done every day. This can be simple things such as: unloading the dishwasher, dusting and/or vaccuuming (just one floor of the house at a time), filing paperwork and a laundry schedule.

It can (and should) include calendar maintenance and a shopping schedule. There are a lot of time-saving tips that you can use to track these items. I have spoken about using a calendar on many occasions - and it doesn't matter whether your calendar is electronic or paper!

We all have many titles/hats that we wear every day. I am a business owner, mother, housekeeper, cook, church volunteer, school volunteer, blogger and just started my own cable television show. I don't say this to brag...I say it because it is all possible because of the following:

1. Maintenance - for business and my home, i.e. having a schedule

2. Communication with family members - I set expectations of everyone (even my five year old) and these are easily met through communication.

3. Scheduling your time and (more importantly) your energy. Focus on what is important every day. Be able to make decisions about needs vs. wants.

I challenge you to set goals for yourself and your family to make changes in 2014. Use Get Organized Month as your reason to get started because...Nothing Will Happen - Until Something Happens!

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About Linda

As an Organizing Consultant and Coach, mom and grandmom, Linda has found answers to the struggles that "moms" deal with every day. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or work outside the home, you are usually the hub of the household. Linda will be sharing organizing tips, tools, techniques, support and motivation to help you enjoy each day to the fullest. Life doesn't have to be chaotic. Your can choose to be organized. You can read more about Linda and her services at www.organizationdirect.com.

Pouches' Community Corner

Trains, Planes and Automobiles Kids' Race Series

From a small beginning, Cathy Weise of the Ron Rosner YMCA has developed an ambitious three-race series for kids for this summer, with the help of The Great Train Race, Shannon Airport, Dominion Raceway & Entertainment, the Fredericksburg Area Service League and Race Timing Unlimited.

Great Train Race Director Jennifer Taylor was one of the first on board.